What You Need to Know about Port Everglades

The cruise port in Fort Lauderdale is officially named “Port Everglades,” and it technically straddles not just Fort Lauderdale but also Hollywood and Dania Beach. It’s only about 29 miles from Port Miami, and while small comparatively, Port Everglades accommodates nearly 3 million cruise passengers annually.

There are eight terminals at Port Everglades, and they are numbered: Terminals 2, 4, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, and 29. Cruisers can determine their departure terminal by consulting their cruise documents provided by the cruise line, but upon arrival at the port, signage will indicate where each cruise ship is docked.

There are three entrances to the port, and each terminal has a different address, but using the general Port Everglades address for their administrative office, 1850 Eller Drive in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, will get you there. Signage at the port entrance will direct cruisers to their terminal.

Cruisers flying to Port Everglades should also search for flights to Miami, as the Port Everglades to Miami airport distance is only about 26 miles, or a 45-60 minute drive, depending upon traffic.

Getting to the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port

Port Everglades is only about three miles from FLL (Fort Lauderdale Airport), which is approximately an 8-15 minute drive, depending upon traffic. Getting from the FLL airport to Port Everglades is easy, with several options.

Each cruise line will likely offer a transfer option, bussing guests from the airport to the pier, but I recommend rideshare like Uber to get from the airport to the cruise port because it’s much more convenient and cost-effective.

• Cruise Line Transfer: Most cruise lines offer transfer service, and Carnival’s service from FLL to port, as one example, is $25 per person. This is booked directly through your cruise line.
• Hotel Shuttle: Some Fort Lauderdale hotels offer an optional shared shuttle service for guests. The service runs around $9-20 per person, depending upon the property, and it isn't always the best deal unless you're a solo cruiser.
• Rideshare: When it comes to getting to the port, I typically recommend using Uber. For this distance, Uber charges $15-25, depending on the time of day and other factors, but that is for up to four passengers.
• Private Transfer: Cruisers can book their own private transfer service, which is much more convenient than cruise line transfer or hotel transfer services, typically on a bus or shuttle with other cruisers. Get Transfer offers transfer service for up to three people from MIA to Port Miami starting at $31. Cruisers traveling in a larger group can book a van for up to 8 people starting at $56 or a minibus for up to 16 people starting at $64. This can be a bargain for bigger groups (or even 4+ people) and offer more convenience.

Given the proximity of Fort Lauderdale/Port Everglades to Miami airport, I always encourage cruisers to compare the pricing of flying into MIA when sailing out of Port Everglades, as there can sometimes be a significant cost difference. If you find a cheaper Miami flight and are sailing out of Port Everglades, the cost of an Uber will run approximately $45-75.

Port Everglades Cruise Port Parking

Some nearby Fort Lauderdale hotels offer “park and stay” packages, including transportation from the hotel to the cruise port. While you can park your car at Port Everglades, budget-conscious cruisers may seek out an offsite parking option that shuttles them from the parking location to the cruise port. Airport Parking Reservations provides this service for Port Everglades cruisers at a much lower cost, approximately $7-15 per day.

Hotels Near Port Everglades

Of all cruising questions, this is the one I see asked most often: "Which hotel near the cruise port is best for cruisers with a free shuttle?" Some may offer a shuttle service, but it's rarely as convenient as rideshare and is rarely free.

Honestly, if you have credit card points that you can use for a hotel or snag a cheap rate, just do that. But if these don't apply, here are some options that are highly rated by the cruising community.

Best Fort Lauderdale Hotels for Cruisers with Shuttle Service

I spend a lot of time researching the the best hotels for cruisers, including staying in many of these properties myself. I could not find any good options near Port Everglades that provide free shuttle to the cruise terminal, but here are some highly rated options that provide a shuttle at a cost.

Comfort Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport and Cruise Port
Address: 302 N Federal Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004

Located less than three miles from both the FLL airport and Port Everglades cruise port, this hotel is conveniently located. It provides free shuttle service from the airport, along with complimentary Wi-Fi and hot breakfast.

This property, however, is a prime example of how cruisers sometimes get caught up in the aspect of a shuttle to port without realizing that this may not be the best option. In this case, the hotel contracts with a third-party cruise port shuttle provider to transport guests from the hotel to the port, which cruisers have to schedule for pickup at 9:00, 9:45, 10:45, 11:45, or 12:45, and costs $15 per person, which is more expensive than taking an Uber.

While this hotel has a fantastic location and great prices, I wouldn’t advise cruisers to stay here just because it provides a shuttle service.

Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
Address: 1851 SE 10th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

This property is also less than three miles from FLL and Port Everglades. I like this one because it’s just a few minutes' walk from some great attractions, including bars, restaurants, and Harbor Shops Mall, to enjoy the evening before your cruise.

Guests enjoy complimentary continental breakfast and Wi-Fi, and the hotel offers a shuttle to the port for $9 per person, which is scheduled at check-in. Again, however, an Uber is more affordable and convenient.

Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
Address: 400 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, FL 33004

Like the other two properties, this hotel is located close to the airport and port, along with the Tri-Rail Station, and receives high marks for friendly staff and cleanliness. Unlike the other properties, this hotel does not offer complimentary breakfast but features free Wi-Fi and an airport shuttle.

For the shuttle to the port, guests can schedule with a third-party provider for pickup at 10 am, 11 am, noon, or 1 pm. However, this service costs $20 per person (which is ridiculous, in my opinion). In this case, an Uber for two people runs at half the cost and is significantly more convenient.

Best Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotels for a Pre-Cruise Stay

If you aren't as budget-conscious and want to tack on an extra beach day before your cruise, you'll look at a whole different array of properties.

However, before booking a beachfront hotel in this area, like with my recommendations for Port Miami hotels, I do not recommend staying at a beach hotel in March and April, as this is “spring break season,” and the beaches are filled to the brim with rowdy students.

Also, like Miami, the Fort Lauderdale area is generally more expensive than other cities with ports of call, and with beachside or beachfront hotels, you may have to pay resort fees.

W Fort Lauderdale
Address: 401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304

This Marriott property is a luxury hotel with beachside access, meaning guests must cross the street to access the beach. This is a small inconvenience, though, because guests have access to complimentary loungers, umbrellas, and towels once there, and numerous restaurants – some with live music – near the hotel.

It’s only about 13-15 minutes from the port, so getting there via Uber is quick and affordable. The resort fee is $45 per night and includes other amenities such as bicycles and yoga classes.

Lago Mar Beach Club & Resort
Address: 1700 South Ocean Lane, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33316

This property is less than five miles from the port and is consistently rated as one of the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale. However, its luxury and high quality come at a price, as Lago Mar is also one of the pricier hotel options in the area.

Cruisers willing to splurge, however, will likely find an amazing experience here, with top-notch service and unparalleled cleanliness. Noted for its family-friendly and quiet vibe, this hotel offers easy access to 500 feet of private beach, complimentary towels and beach chairs (although umbrellas come at a cost), and no additional resort fees.

Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale Beach
Address: 525 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

This property has the look and feel of a boutique hotel, but it’s part of the Hilton Curio Collection. This Fort Lauderdale hotel is highly rated and moderately priced compared to other beachfront hotel options. Located directly across the street from Las Olas Beach, Hotel Maren is a short walk from several bars and restaurants.

The daily resort fee of $45 covers guest access to beach chairs, towels, a yoga class, Wi-Fi access, and a signature drink daily. Umbrellas are an additional rental cost. This hotel is about six miles from the port.

Exploring Port Everglades

Please note that I spent a lot of time researching these properties, including calling them to get the most accurate and up-to-date information. While I try to keep my hotel posts updated and current, this is all subject to change. If you see anything that needs updating, please email me so I can keep my posts as current as possible.